CONTENTS INTRODUCTION UNPACKING POSITIONING THE AND ASSEMBLY LOUDSPEAKERS CONNECTIONS MASTER B-LINK AND CONTROLS AND SLAVE IR CONTROL IA21 ANALOGUE SPECIFICATION INPUT MODULE MAINTENANCE TROUBLESHOOTING SYSTEM AND CLEANING APPLICATIONS...
1. INTRODUCTION This guide is intended to assist with the installation and use of the DSP8000 XE loudspeakers. The first part of the guide covers information specific to the loudspeakers and the accessories supplied with them. The second part of the guide explains how the loudspeakers are installed, configured and used within several differing system applications.
2. UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLY Before you begin installation you should ensure that your loudspeakers are the correct voltage for your local mains AC supply. If they are not, do not try to install them, and contact your dealer. You should not make any connections to the loudspeakers, or to any other component in your system, while the mains power supply is connected and switched on. Care when unpacking Step 2 Take great care when unpacking or re-packing the loudspeakers that you do not put undue...
Page 5
Unpacking the head-units: Step 1 Ensure the carton is standing on its base; this can be confirmed by checking that the information printed on the carton is the right-way up. Using a box-opener tool, or with careful use of a blade, open the carton by splitting the tape on its top surface.
Page 6
Carefully lower the rear of the head-unit so the rear spike-cup locates onto the rear spike. Accessories supplied with the loudspeakers • One B-link Bluetooth adapter (not supplied with the vertical centre Version of the DSP8000 XE) • Two grille extractor tools Step 2 • One microfibre cleaning cloth •...
Page 7
The enormous variety of dimensions, design and construction methods used in domestic rooms means that there are no hard and fast rules for exactly where the loudspeakers should be located to maximise sonic performance. In many cases, aesthetics will come into play and the visual appeal of the DSP8000 XE can influence the decision on where they are located. There is also the important matter of personal preference.
Page 8
* The DSP8000 XE is the first Meridian product to show this setting as Image Focus. Previous products featured the same technology, but it showed simply as a “Balance” control.
Page 9
In surround-sound systems, the display screen plays a large part in deciding where to position If a DSP8000 XE is used as a centre-channel, it should be placed centrally and equidistant the front three loudspeakers, for the left, centre, and right channels. However, several aspects from the main left-right pair.
Page 10
Master loudspeaker can use its IR receiver. Slave loudspeakers cannot receive infra-red. See the section Master and Slave on page 13 and IR Control on page 15. Only one Meridian product within a system should be controlled by IR commands from the remote control.
Page 11
DSP8000 XE loudspeakers are factory configured so that the SpeakerLink connections are USB Audio active and ready to be connected to other Meridian products. This means that, in many USB digital audio [type C] supporting sampling rates up to 384kHz @ 24-bit resolution.
Page 12
Channel selector switch Power switch When used in a Meridian system, the SpeakerLink input of the DSP8000 XE is always fed The On/Off power switch controls the mains power supply to the loudspeaker. When initially with a two-channel digital audio signal. Typically, this is a left and right channel pair. The...
Page 13
5. MASTER AND SLAVE In a system featuring any Meridian loudspeakers, one of the Meridian loudspeakers is designated as the “Master” loudspeaker, the others are designated as “Slaves”*. When each DSP8000 XE is powered up, it automatically senses how it is connected within the system and assigns itself as either Master or Slave. In most system set-ups, there is no need for the installer or user to be aware of these roles.
Bluetooth device such as a smartphone, tablet or computer. THE MERIDIAN CONTROL APP The Meridian Control app is available for download for iOS devices from the Apple App Store and for Android devices from the Google Play Store. In either case, search for Meridian to find the app or scan the QR code shown below.
Page 15
7. IR CONTROL The loudspeakers can be controlled using infra-red commands from a Meridian System Remote. However, this feature needs to be activated. By default, the loudspeakers will not respond to IR commands. Only a Master loudspeaker can have its IR reception activated. For further explanation of the Master loudspeaker, refer to the section Master and Slave on page 13.
Page 16
The three-way input sensitivity switch should be set to suit the output level of the equipment The IA21 is designed to allow the DSP8000 XE to be fed from an analogue pre-amplifier or an feeding the module. If the sensitivity is set too low, the input of the IA21 could be overdriven, analogue source which features a volume control.
*With feet/spikes fitted The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Meridian Audio Limited is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners DSP8000 XE includes MQA Renderer technology, which can connect to an MQA Core signal and complete the final unfold of an MQA file.
Page 18
Deeper scratches can be removed by treating with additional polyester lacquer filler and then polishing carefully. Consult your authorised Meridian dealer for advice before To remove a grille, insert the hooked ends of the extractor tools into the grille mesh close to attempting any repair.
Page 19
THERE IS RADIO INTERFERENCE If the loudspeaker is in Standby mode, the illuminated badge on front of The DSP8000 XE loudspeaker is a digital audio and computing device which has been the loudspeaker will illuminate blue. When the loudspeaker is activated, the designed to very high standards of electromagnetic compatibility.
Page 20
12. SYSTEM APPLICATIONS SYSTEM APPLICATIONS POSITIONING THE CONNECTIONS MASTER B-LINK IR CONTROL IA21 ANALOGUE SPECIFICATION MAINTENANCE TROUBLESHOOTING UNPACKING INTRODUCTION LOUDSPEAKERS AND CONTROLS AND SLAVE INPUT MODULE AND CLEANING AND ASSEMBLY...
Page 21
Overview When using the 218 with a pair of DSP8000 XE loudspeakers, the 218 acts as the hub for the sources within the system. Source products are connected to the inputs on the 218 and the 218 is connected to the loudspeakers using SpeakerLink cables; one cable if the loudspeakers are “daisy-chained”, two if they are “star-wired”. In addition, the B-Link Bluetooth module supplied with the loudspeakers can be connected to the 218 to provide a means of streaming audio from a Bluetooth device such as a smartphone, tablet or PC.
Page 22
Download the Meridian Control app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Once open, the app will automatically detect any network-connected Meridian products and display them in a list showing their current status. Without selecting the 218 (or any other product), tap on the menu icon in the top left-hand corner and the options available within the app will be shown.
Page 23
Master loudspeaker while other sources would be routed via the 218. Up to twelve sources can exist in a Meridian system. These sources exist in a “global” fashion across the system so that more than one Meridian product can react simultaneous from a single command.
Page 24
Configuration for IR remote control The DSP8000 XE has an IR receiver eye integrated into the illuminated badge on the front of the loudspeaker. By default the IR receiver is disabled. The 218 and the loudspeakers also feature a connection for an external IR receiver.
Page 25
Using IR remote control The system can be controlled using a Meridian system remote, such as the MSR2 remote control. Instructions for activating IR reception are given in the above section IR remote control. Neither the 218 nor the loudspeakers feature a display capable of showing the status of settings such as volume level.
Page 26
Overview When using the 818v3 with a pair of DSP8000 XE loudspeakers, the 818v3 acts as the hub for the sources within the system. Source products are connected to the inputs on the 818v3 and the 818v3 is connected to the loudspeakers by one SpeakerLink cable if the loudspeakers are “daisy-chained”, or by two cables if they are “star-wired”.
Page 27
The source settings of the 818v3 can be checked using either the Meridian Control app or the ID41’s configuration web page. However, to apply tailored neither interface allows these settings to be changed.
Page 28
The TV can be connected via its optical output directly to the Master loudspeaker while other sources would be routed via the 818v3. Up to twelve sources can exist in a Meridian system. These sources exist in a “global” fashion across the system so that more than one Meridian product can react simultaneously from a single command.
Page 29
IR remote control The 818v3 features an IR receiver eye built into its front-panel and the DSP8000 XE has an IR receiver eye integrated into the illuminated badge on the front of the loudspeaker. By default, the IR receiver on the 818v3 is enabled and the IR receiver on the loudspeakers is disabled. However, due to the way control is integrated across a Meridian system, all relevant settings can be accessed by directing all IR commands to the 818v3.
Page 30
Commands are automatically executed transparently across the products making up the system. This gives the user the ability to access and adjust all relevant controls via their preferred control method, whether that is the Meridian Control app, the front-panel of the Controller, the IR remote control, or a third-party control system.
Page 31
Download the Meridian Control app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Once open, the app will automatically detect the for each configuration 818v3 providing access to primary functions such as source selection and volume level. The app does not provide access to the settings...
Page 32
DSP8000 XE WITH 861V8 SURROUND CONTROLLER Overview When using the 861v8 with DSP8000 XE loudspeakers, the 861v8 acts as the hub for the sources within the system. Source products are connected to the inputs on the 861v8 and the loudspeakers are connected using SpeakerLink cables.
Page 33
PERFECT BALANCE IR remote control MAPPING The 861v8 features an IR receiver eye built into its front-panel and the DSP8000 XE has an IR receiver eye integrated into the illuminated badge on the front of the Meridian Digital Meridian Q-Sync...
Page 34
If a Meridian product, such as 218, 210 or 818v3, is used as a local source, the product should be connected via SpeakerLink to either of the SpeakerLink inputs on the minimum degradation.
Page 35
Commands are automatically executed transparently across the products making up the system. This gives the user the ability to access and adjust all relevant settings via their preferred control method, whether that is the Meridian Control app, the front-panel of the Controller, the IR remote control, or a third-party control system.
Page 36
861v8. It is recommended that an unmanaged network switch is inserted between the 861v8 and the network router. Download the Meridian Control app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Once open, the app will automatically detect the 861v8; tapping on it will allow control of source selection, volume, and more.
Page 37
G65 to provide a means of streaming audio from a Bluetooth device such as a smartphone, tablet or PC. Each loudspeaker must be set to play the appropriate audio channel. On the DSP8000 XE, this is done using the Channel Selector switch on the back- panel.
Page 38
Example system G65 Surround Controller, 3 x DSP8000 XE as left, centre and right front channels, 2 x DSP7200SE as left and right rear channels, DSW.2 Subwoofer, Satellite Receiver, Blu-Ray Player, Meridian B-Link. SpeakerLink Optical Digital co-ax Configuring a system based on G65 The G65 features a front-panel Configuration Wizard which offers set-up menus for many of the product’s configuration options.
Page 39
IR remote control The G65 features an IR receiver eye built into its front-panel and the DSP8000 XE has an IR receiver eye integrated into the illuminated badge on the front of the loudspeaker. By default, the IR receiver on the G65 is enabled and the IR receiver on the loudspeakers is disabled. However, due to the way control is integrated across a Meridian system, all relevant settings can be accessed by directing all IR commands to the G65.
Page 40
Additional local sources connected directly to the loudspeakers Within a surround-sound system, there are situations where it is possible to take advantage of additional functionality offered by the DSP8000 XE by connecting one or more sources directly to the main left and right loudspeakers, thus bypassing the surround controller. This table illustrates these scenarios:...
Page 41
B-Link section on page 14. If a Meridian product, such as 218, 210 or 818v3, is used as a local source, the product should be connected via SpeakerLink to either of the SpeakerLink inputs on the G65 in order for Meridian comms to be passed between the two products. No additional configuration is required for this connection.
Page 42
+ or - The absolute phase of the audio played by the system Axis -2 to +3 The vertical component of Meridian’s Image Focus Plus technology Balance Left 10 to Right 10 <0> The horizontal component of Meridian’s Image Focus Plus technology...
Page 43
Overview In systems which do not include a Meridian Controller product, one of the loudspeakers can act as a hub for up to four digital audio sources. The connections available for the sources are described in the Rear panel section on page 10. This loudspeaker is designated as the “Master” and it connects to the other loudspeaker, designated as the “Slave”, using a SpeakerLink cable of the appropriate length.
Page 44
Configuring a system with no Controller product By default, the SpeakerLink input is the only active audio input on the DSP8000 XE. If source products are to be connected to the Digital Input, the Optical Input or the USB Audio input of the Master loudspeaker, the relevant input(s) need to be activated. Note: sources cannot be connected directly to the Slave loudspeaker, so its other inputs cannot be used.
Page 45
Using a system with no Controller product The system can be controlled using the Meridian Control app, an IR remote control, or a third-party control system. Any changes to the settings made on one interface are passed to the others so, for example, turning the volume up using an IR remote control will increase the volume number shown on the Control app.
Page 46
The 271 allows Meridian loudspeakers to be used with third-party surround processors. It accepts multichannel audio signals of up to 16 channels in either digital or analogue form, enabling it to be used with any non-Meridian processor on the market. The inputs are fed through the 271 to a full set of 16 SpeakerLink outputs for use with Meridian loudspeakers, and 16 analogue (RCA phono) outputs for use with conventional analogue loudspeakers.
Page 47
To ensure there is only one Controller, two settings are required in all cases. Whichever product is to use its IR eye should be set to “Controller”, while the other product should be set to “Not Controller”. Both settings are available from the Meridian Control app. The app can be used directly with the 271 to set it to be Controller or Not Controller within the “Comms”...
Page 48
Using a system with no Controller product The system can be controlled using the Meridian Control app or a third-party control system. Control via IR remote control is also available, but is limited by the lack of a digital display on the 271 and the loudspeakers – see details above in the section IR remote control. Any changes to the settings made on one interface are passed to the others so, for example, turning the volume up using an IR remote control will increase the volume number shown on the Control app.
Page 49
Overview With the IA21s fitted, DSP8000 XE loudspeakers have the functionality of analogue active loudspeakers. This means that the loudspeakers can be fed solely with line-level analogue audio signals. As the volume control within the loudspeaker is completely disabled, the equipment feeding the loudspeakers must feature a volume control. Refer to the section IA21 Analogue Input Module on page 7 for further information regarding the module.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the DSP8000 XE and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers